Commentary on the Combined Disaster in Japan1

Abstract

The report by Dr. Takeo Ohnishi in this issue of Radiation Research (1) is a comprehensive detailing of the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant (NPP) disaster. We have chosen for the title of this commentary “combined disaster,” which is emphasized by both Dr. Ohnishi and Dr. Makoto Akashi from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (2), who was involved in the management of the incident. Dr. Akashi and others emphasize the catastrophic loss of life and damage primarily from the earthquake and tsunami and that the NPP disaster was the consequence of the loss of infrastructure, including power supply and access to the facility. There are lessons observed regarding NPP issues, and there is now broad worldwide discussion on the future of energy sources. The consequences of the NPP disaster will take years to better understand as the Fukushima-Daiichi incident plays out. In addition, nuclear power issues will take decades to be addressed, given the complexity of worldwide energy needs, potential sources and suppliers of alternative forms of energy, and the environmental impact of the rising worldwide energy demand. Furthermore, energy policy complicates matters as decisions by one country can have an enormous impact on its neighbors and the entire world.